The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the Department of Animal Sciences mourn the untimely passing of one of our students, Caitlyn Kovacs. She became an Animal Sciences major at Rutgers because of her passion for animals, especially companion animals, and her interest in animal welfare.

Daniela Sharma, who served last year as Caitlyn’s first-year advisor and Animal Sciences undergraduate program director, remembers Caitlyn very fondly. She writes, “It was such a pleasure for me, as a freshman advisor and instructor in 142 [the introductory Animal Science course] to be able to enjoy her enthusiasm for her studies, and her interest in behavior and welfare, which is something close to my heart as well. She was so excited to study something that interested her as a young kid, and we enjoyed trading stories and ideas, once the business of academic advising was over.”

Chair of the Department of Animal Sciences Wendie Cohick says, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this incredibly tragic and sad time.”